Today I've been...

glass and Jess thank you, I've seen her thread now too

Well I have been making sandcastles today as we have had my 17 month old GS round for his usual Tuesday stay. Last time he was with us he saw my DH water some of the plants and decided he would like to join in and the fun continued today. He saw the watering can rose in the greenhouse, got it out and then took it and found the watering can, just about fitting it on. The water went everywhere, but we had fun.

It was a totally different day from yesterday when we had eight friends round for afternoon tea - the weather was kind and we sat outside most of the time. We started with champagne and strawberries, moved on to sandwiches and then scones, cream and jam. Finale was cup cakes, chocolate brownies and date and walnut loaf. I have to say it was just about the easiest entertaining I have done. The visitors were here for five hours so that I guess you could say it was a success.

I heard from her last week. phoenix I mean, she is OK.
Pirate game was all about provisioning the ship. Captain Hugo Barnacle took us from island to island . His big sister Garrulous Grace (these are they middle names) organised the gathering of coconuts, wild rice and "crustaceans"
I am glad the 4 year old now knows where i keep disappearing off to.

Jess - Great exercise and so good to have them with you before their return. Think the Olympics are perfectly timed just for you.

Jess sounds like you had fun on the climbing frames, I love the excuse when we go to one of the soft play units with the big slides that I need to help the little one who is 4 but very small for her age (and it means I get to go on the slides) I have been watching the gymnastic and it fascinates me.

ella I have sent Phoenix a pm but not heard anything back, but her account was still open.

R-adjusting to normal (quiet) life now that DS, DIL, GS and GD gone back to Australia. it was great having them here for 5 days and I am tired. Spent more time up and down climbing frames in parks, playing pirates, than in entire previous life. But otherwise, so far, OK. Just been watching women's gymnastics. Definitely awesome.

Has anyone heard anything from phoenix lately?

Thanks soop - yes it was a very large cup of tea too! We may go to Waterperry near Wheatley, nice cafe there - and plant centre and early Georgian house (private) and gardens. Hope it's fine.....

Greatnan and granjura also Annobel and Alie

I've had a very long cup of tea with AlieOxon this morning - life histories and all that! Seems we have more in common than we thought: we both went up to St Andrews University at the same time, lived in adjoining halls, but don't think we knew each other! We're going to have another meeting before I go home.

Glass - she has made my life so much richer since we met.

Today, I have been remembering the joy I felt 49 years ago when my first daughter was born. I am so excited to think I will be able to give her a hug on 10th August when we meet up for her son's wedding.

granjura you sound like a lovely friend

Lovely new, Alie.
Glass - you haven't met my sister yet!
Soop - I might just get a new top, but Granjura has so far given me the green light for my heavily beaded cream top. She took me on a great walk today, around a huge limestone crater with a 750 feet unfenced drop. Then she and her OH took me a drive to a farmhouse restaurant and now I can hardly move I have eaten so much. She will take me to her nearest station tomorrow so I can catch a train to Geneva airport and she will meet me when I get back. It means I don't have to pay expensive airport parking for 16 days. What a friend!

Hi glass and Ella- much relieved thanks!

..........looking after 2GS who are away from home for the firstt time. The sleepover part was thought beforehand to be very exciting. All quiet at present!! Superb day at a castle with wonderful treetop walkway safe for 4 & 6. Good nutrious lunch boxes too. And as Pepys would say "And now to bed"!!!!! That me!!

Glad to hear it went ok Alie

Good news alie its the worry of waiting.

Certainly, Alie. Will ring you tomorrow and arrange somewhere.

Fine Annobel. - Me too.
You have a building site, and I have a complete tip as I have been ignoring all housework....meet out somewhere?

I'm in Didcot now Alie so will get in touch tomorrow sometime. Looking forward to meeting you.

I hope so when - thanks.

Glad things are looking positive for you Alie. You should sleep well tonight

Thanks Ariadne.
There was a possibility - but I had to think 'if they really thought it was a recurrence they would be speeding things up'......... and they weren't.

So anyway it's all right, but I am still tender from the MRI - lying on my front on a bar across my lower ribs was NOT nice. I know it had to fit all shapes of women, but I'm sure they could have done better with the design...........
Yes, we joked about it was probably designed by a man!

Oh, Alie isn't it awful waiting for results? No matter how positive you try to be, the possibilities always fill your mind. I am so glad nothing was found. I raise my glass to you x

Hello again all.
I have been lurking and worrying about the hospital appt I had today in Oxford, which turned out to be ok. - I had an MRI scan but nothing was found, which leaves me feeling very relieved.
Then went to deliver a tent to my daughter, who is planning a short outing with as many friends as possible. Not me! I expect they will enjoy it.